Kemba released a new song on March 1st this year, marking a significant return for fans who’ve followed his journey since his YC the Cynic days and the release of GNK. His last project, *The World Is Watching*, dropped in 2020 during the height of the BLM protests. Just when fans started wondering about his absence, Kemba surprised everyone with a single in January titled “Dont.Tell.Nobody.” Although I was late to the party, that track quickly became one of my favorites of 2024. The grandiose production was a perfect backdrop for Kemba’s sharp lyricism, proving he hadn’t missed a beat during his hiatus. Now, Kemba is back with another single, produced by Taba & Frankie Leroux, that’s gaining even more attention. After listening, it’s clear why this track is more popular. It’s a sonically accessible “banger” with a hard-hitting beat. On my first listen, I focused on Kemba’s lyrics, but the production really stood out on subsequent plays. The beat is fire, and Kemba’s melodic delivery, which initially left me unsure, won me over by the second verse. The opening bars set the tone perfectly:
“The family waited, the ancestors waded, their ankles was weighted
I sleep with that pressure, my blankets is weighted
It feel like the fear they created
We still ain’t related
The nickel is plated, initialed and dated
It’s just like my baby, I’m naming it
Felt that first kick, I was straining just raising it
First day of work, I was waving and waving it”
The imagery of raising his “blicky” like a child is powerful. While the first verse is filled with quotable lines, the second verse stands out for its catchy flow:
“The devil got God in it
I’m just guiding it, 365 in it
They want be eye to eye with that violent shit
Step right over the body like Iverson, who providing it?”
This track is hard-hitting and gets better with each listen. While “Dont.Tell.Nobody” remains my favorite, this new single is a close contender. If these two tracks are any indication, Kemba fans are in for an exciting year. Check it out; it’s dope as hell.
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